August M
Russian teen singer punished for performing anti-Kremlin music
Russian teen singer punished for performing anti-Kremlin music
Young Russian singer punished for protest music
In Russia, the cost of artistic expression is under growing pressure. Eighteen-year-old singer Diana Loginova, known by her stage name Naoko, was recently fined and detained after performing songs by artists critical of the Kremlin.
Her case has drawn attention to the increasing risks faced by young performers who use their music to challenge state narratives amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Loginova fined for performing ‘You’re a Soldier’
As reported by the Kyiv Independent, Loginova was fined 30,000 rubles ($375) after spending 13 days in administrative detention.
Her offense? Singing “You’re a Soldier” — a song by exiled artist Monetochka, now branded a “foreign agent” by the Russian government. The song includes emotional lyrics about a soldier’s trauma, but makes no direct reference to Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Detained again for an ‘unauthorized event’
Loginova was not released after serving her detention butt instead she’s now facing new charges. According to independent outlet Mediazona, authorities opened another case against her for allegedly holding an unauthorized public event.
She was kept overnight at Police Department No. 76 in St. Petersburg, raising further concerns about her continued detention.
Anti-Kremlin songs spark growing crackdown
According to the Kyiv Independent, Loginova is a member of the group Stoptime, known for performing politically charged music in public. The group has also covered songs by Noize MC, another musician labeled a “foreign agent.”
As the Kyiv Independent notes, performing work by such artists is increasingly risky in Russia, where any expression of dissent during the full-scale war in Ukraine is under close watch.
Supporters detained for playing in solidarity
The backlash isn’t limited to Loginova. On Oct. 28, three street musicians from the cover band Restart were also detained in St. Petersburg for performing in support of Stoptime, according to SotaVision.
Meanwhile, footage shared by Novaya Gazeta shows Loginova being escorted from court to applause from supporters — a quiet but visible act of resistance, according to the independent Russian media outlet Novaya Gazeta.
A rising voice silenced — for now
Diana Loginova’s case reflects the increasingly harsh environment for artists in Russia who speak — or sing — out.
Her continued detention and the targeting of musicians in her circle suggest a wider campaign to suppress public criticism through music. In today’s Russia, even a street performance can carry heavy consequences.
This article is made and published by August M, who may have used AI in the preparation
